Conscious Communication: Retreat Level 1 with Roy Jacob
2 -7 October, 2026
“When a person realizes they have been deeply heard, their eyes moisten. I think in some real sense, they are weeping for joy. It is as though they were saying, “Thank God, somebody heard me. Someone knows what it’s like to be me.”
― Carl R. Rogers (pronouns modified)
About the retreat:
This retreat aims to empower you with tools of self-awareness as well as the practice of being more authentic, in ways that can be heard by others. We will learn the empathy languages that give a variety of means of hearing out others as well as ourselves. We will practice slowing down in heated moments, so that we can have more flexibility with our thoughts and more choice with our actions. This allows conflicts to be alchemized into deeper understanding, connection, and positive change. It also allows us to take a stand, set boundaries or assert ourselves instead of shrinking. This work can be transformative for your life, relationships, and work in the world.
Conscious Communication is rooted in the ancient Indian values of ahimsa (nonviolence) and anekāntavāda (not-one-sidedness), and brings together modern lenses of inner parts, trauma, power and privilege, systems and more. It is inspired by Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication (NVC), yet goes beyond it in important ways. It gives more choices for how we empathize as well as assert ourselves, and gives more emphasis on the energy we carry and not just the words we use. It shares with NVC the vision of creating a world that works for all.
For more about Conscious Communication, see: https://consciouscommunicationacademy.com/ or send an email to: connect@consciouscommunicationacademy.com
This 6-day retreat will begin at 9:00 am on Friday, October 2nd and end at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026.
Participation in the full schedule is required in order to maintain the integrity of the group process.
More emphasis will be put on practice than on theory; activities will include exercises with a partner, in small groups, and in the large group.
The language of the retreat will be in English; however, you are welcome to speak in other languages during exercises.
Tentative Schedule:
8 am: Breakfast
9 am – 12 pm: Session 1
12:00 pm – 2 pm Lunch Break, Self-Care
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Session 2
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Tea Break
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Session 3
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Optional Participant-Led Activities
Who is this retreat for?
This workshop is open to anyone above the age of 18 years. We welcome diversity and aim to be an inclusive space.
Registration:
While this retreat is offered by dana/donation and accommodation and food are as per actuals, a contribution of INR 250 is requested to cover the material costs.
About the facilitator:
Roy Jacob (he/him) is a facilitator, trainer, and conflict mediator. He is the founder of the Conscious Communication Academy. He grew up in the U.S. and worked as a software engineer before finding his true calling 20+ years ago and coming to Kerala, where his family is from. In India he does permaculture on a farm and works with various non-profit organizations, companies, and individuals looking for transformation. He also facilitates workshops and retreats including Yes! Jams, Authentic Relating Games, and other programs especially for young adults. He believes in the transformative power of ‘slowing down’
Please note – attendance in all sessions is mandatory.
By donation | Stay and Meals at Actuals
For queries, registration & accommodation, please email: info@buddhapada.in